Crunches are the classic ab exercise (although planks and push-ups have their fans too). To really target your abs, though, it’s important to use good form.

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A guide from Fitness magazine gives the top five form fixes, starting with the difference between a crunch and a sit-up (the sit-up goes higher and works your hip flexors more than your abs). Other key points are slowing down on both the upward and downward motions, and breathing out as you contract—which will help activate more of your abdominal muscles.